Ontological Security in Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Formulation

Abstract

This article explores the significance of ontological security in shaping Indonesia’s foreign policy formulation. Moving beyond material conceptions of security focused on military, economic, and territorial dimensions it argues that Indonesia’s foreign behavior is deeply influenced by the need to maintain a stable sense of national identity and historical continuity. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy and a leading Southeast Asian nation, Indonesia consistently projects itself through identity-based narratives rooted in anti-colonialism and the “free and active” foreign policy doctrine. Its unwavering support for Palestinian independence, participation in the Non-Aligned Movement, and regional leadership in ASEAN illustrate how ontological security underpins diplomatic consistency and domestic legitimacy. However, the same identity-driven approach can also create friction between ideological commitments and pragmatic interests, particularly in managing relations with major powers such as China and the United States. The study concludes that while ontological security provides coherence and credibility, it also demands adaptive strategies. It recommends identity-sensitive diplomacy, coherent narrative management, strategic flexibility, and inclusive public engagement to ensure that Indonesia’s foreign policy remains balanced between identity preservation and practical global engagement.